THE EARLY MIATA

The Mazda MX-5 Miata debuted in America in 1990, as a revitalization of the classic British roadster designs from the 60s and 70s. The Japanese roadster is light, agile, and quick, and prioritizes the feel over statistics. The first-generation Miata, also known as the NA Miata, has a front-engine rear-wheel-drive layout containing 1.6-liter dual overhead camshaft 4-cylinder (DOHC I-4) engine that produces just about 116 horsepower at 6,500 rpm, and 100 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm. The 1990 Miata has a top speed of 116 mph and can hit 60 mph in just under 9 seconds. Available in both an automatic and 5 speed manual transmission, the NA is only 155.4 inches long, 65.9 inches wide, with a wheelbase of 89.2 inches, and weighing 2,116 lbs. It has a fuel economy of 22 miles per gallon in the city, 28 miles per gallon on the highway, and 24 combined. In 1994 Mazda upgraded the engines in the NA Miatas to a larger 1.8-liter engine. The first-generation Japanese roadster has received worldwide recognition as one of the best-driving cars of all time while also being affordable. Being affordable yet fun, the NA Miata is the best-selling roadster of all time.